JCPenney store in Easton will close as retailer shutters 138 stores nationally

The JCPenney department store in Easton is among 138 nationally to close by June.

The JCPenney department store in Easton will close, likely by June, as part of the retailer's plans to shutter 138 stores nationally.

J.C. Penney Co. Inc. had announced plans last month to close two distribution centers and 130 to 140 stores in a move to cut costs and boost sales at stronger locations, but it had not disclosed specific locations.

The Easton store in the Easton Marketplace is the only closure in Maryland, according to a list JCPenney released Friday. JCPenney has six Baltimore-area stores.

The company also will close a distribution facility in Florida.

About 5,000 workers will be impacted by the national store closings, most of which are slated for June.

"We believe closing stores will...allow us to adjust our business to effectively compete against the growing threat of online retailers," said Marvin R. Ellison, JCPenney chairman and CEO, in last month's announcement.